PUNGI OR BIN

The word "Bin" has always been somewhat problematic. The term "bin" is a very common corruption of the Sanskrit word "Vina". However the term bin/vina implies a stringed instrument. It is more likely that the term "Bin" is a corruption of the Sanskrit "Venu" (i.e., bamboo) which would clearly place this instrument in the class shared by flutes.

The pungi is typically one to two feet in length. It consists of two reeds or bamboo tubes. One of which is for the melody and the other is for the drone. These are attached to a larger cavity made of gourd or coconut. Inside of which are two reeds. These reeds vibrate when air is passed over them.